Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will launch the new Boxster on 27 November 2004. The 2.7 litre six-cylinder engine will then have 176 kW (240 HP), 8 kW (12 HP) more than previously. The performance of the Boxster S, which will be launched simultaneously, has also been increased from 191 kW (260 HP) to 206 kW (280 HP), while cubic capacity has remained unchanged at 3.2 litres. The Boxster needs only 6.2 seconds to spurt from 0 km/h to 100 km/h, while the Boxster S manages this in 5.5 seconds. The basic model clocks up 256 km/h and consumes 9.6 litres Super Plus, in line with the EU standard. The maximum speed of the S variant is 268 km/h, while average consumption is 10.4 litres (EU standard).

The Boxster intends to extend its leading position in the roadster segment, by offering even greater driving pleasure while providing more active and passive safety. Larger wheels and a wider wheel alignment clearly emphasise the further development of the body form. At the same time they symbolise the increase in performance of the two models. The new front clearly shows the relationship with the 911 series but still features the typical Boxster face. The new lighting concept with the separation of main headlamps and front lamps with integrated fog lamps is characteristic of this.

When viewed from the side, the larger air vents before the rear axle, the bold door sills, the larger window in the transition from the B-pillar to the roof and the newly designed, larger rims are dominant. The 2.7 litre version now has 17-inch wheels as standard, while the Boxster S features 18-inch wheels.

In the new Boxster power is transmitted by a revised five-speed manual transmission and by a new transmission box with six gears in the S model. The gearshift had been revised for both transmission variants so that shift travel is now considerably shorter. Both vehicles can optionally be equipped with a five-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Boxster is the first roadster in the world to secure passengers against lateral impact using head airbags. In combination with a thorax airbag, which is concealed on the outer side of the backrest, the airbag shoots out from the side window rail of the door and provides a very high level of protection for the head.

The basic price is EUR 37,000 for the Boxster and EUR 44,100 for the Boxster S. In Germany, prices (including VAT and country-specific requirements) are EUR 43,068 for the Boxster and EUR 51,304 for the Boxster S. Adjusted for fittings, the new models are offered nine percent (Boxster) and six percent (Boxster S) cheaper on the euro markets compared to the previous generation. In the USA, the price for the Boxster is USD 43,800 and USD 53,100 for the Boxster S (excl. tax). The models will be launched on the US American market on 15 January 2005.